Kate Middleton's 'very touching' gesture during emotional meeting with Southport heroes

The broke off during a meeting with to those who had rescued children in the shocking attacks.

made a surprise visit with to meet with the families of victims and emergency workers who were caught up in the horrific After a private meeting with the victims, William and Kate went on to thank brave rescue crews who rushed to save children stabbed in the ordeal.

Chief fire officer for Fire and Rescue Service, Phil Garrigan, revealed how the broke off during the emotional meeting to give her own personal thanks. He said: "The Princess of Wales broke off and came back into the building to give a hug to the people who responded because she could see the emotion in them and could see it was difficult for them to relay their feelings and to say how impactful events have been. I think it just shows a really caring side and is very very touching for them."

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Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, when a knifeman broke into a themed dance party on July 30. Dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, was also critically wounded after being stabbed in the neck, back and arms as she fought to protect her class.

The unannounced trip to Merseyside today was William and Kate’s first joint official outing since the ended in the summer following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. It is understood the engagement was planned as a solo visit for William but Kate decided to join her husband in order to show her support, empathy and compassion for the local community. The Waleses met the families of the three slain little girls and Leanne in a private reception, before moving to Southport Community Centre.

There, they were joined emergency responders involved in the attack to hear about their experiences and meet health practitioners supporting the 'blue light' community in Southport. Here they comforted tearful fire crews, police officers and paramedics who recalled the traumatic events of that day.

Kate wore a long brown coat and heels with her hair down and curled and looked serious as she spoke to the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver who greeted the couple. The prince and princess spent half an hour with each of the family groups and were 45 minutes late arriving, and William could be heard apologising to the waiting guests.

William, 42, said: "Thank you, you are all true professionals, look after yourselves." But in a personal touch the future king prompted a laugh by insisting: "Get inside and get yourself a cup of tea to get warm" after a 30 minute meeting in the community centre's garden.

During the meeting, royal couple sat together and asked about the mental health support which had been available to emergency service workers. Kate said the personnel had been supporting people through their "darkest times". She said: "For you to witness that, you need support yourselves." The princess said she imagined the experience took "its toll" on them.